Miniature rose plant named `Brifire`

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant characterized by a profusion of exhibition form blooms that are an unusual combination of colors, consisting of yellow, pink, and vibrant red, with a strong fruity fragrance, held on long stems on a strong plant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of miniaturerose plant which has been given the international variety recognitiondesignation "Brifire", and is to be marketed in this country under thesynonym "Gabriel's Fire".

2. Plants Related to the Invention

The plant of this invention was originated as a result of a plannedbreeding program which had as a seed partent "Sachet" (U.S. Plant Pat.No. 5,967) also of the miniature rose class. While the pollen parent of"Brifire" is not known with certitude, it was one of a number ofselected miniature varieties from which pollen had been taken forcrossing with "Sachet", in the hope of attaining a new plant having someof the better traits of the seed parent and any one of the pollen parentplants involved in the program. The plant of this disclosure is aselection from the progeny of the stated cross(es), and has beenasexually reproduced by the taking and rooting of stem cuttings, asperformed at Lawndale, N.C., and shows that the foregoingcharacteristics and distinctions come true to form and are establishedand transmitted through succeeding propagations, establishing "Brifire"is stable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the new and novel characteristics which are possessed by thisplant, singly and in combination, which distinguish it from its parentsand all other plants of which I am aware are:

1. Blooms of unusual red and yellow blend coloration that are wellformed and blemish resistant. Showing exceptional form and substance.

2. Abundant blooms borne singly, and in clusters of up to 5 blooms, onlong strong stems.

3. An unusually strong, fruity fragrance.

4. An abundance of semi-glossy, medium to dark green foliage whichpleasingly contrasts with and highlights the blooms of a combination ofyellow and pink to vibrant red shades.

5. Higher than usual disease resistance to common rose diseases with ahigher than usual level of vigor, and growing to a height which istypical of roses of this market class to produce a plant whichattractively appoints the home garden while providing cut flowers ofexhibition form and quality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The single sheet of the accompanying drawing is a photograph which showstypical specimens of the flowers of the new variety in different stagesof development as well as the coloration thereof as accurately aspossible in color illustrations of this type.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed botanical description of my new variety ofminiature rose. With color terminology in accordance with The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart (R.H.S.C.C.), except where commondictionary terms of color definition are employed.

Type: Hardy dwarf, bushy, compact, seedling, greenhouse, outdoors, cutflower, garden decoration, potted plant.

Commercial class: Miniature.

International recognition Name: "Brifire".

Commercial synonym: "Gabriel's Fire".

Observations were made from specimens gown outdoors at Cleveland County,N.C., USA, in June, 1991.

Type: Miniature Rose.

Blooming Habit: Continuous.

Bud:

Size.--Large.

Length.--13/4 cm Just before opening.

Form.--Pear shaped.

Color.--When sepals first divide -- Yellow, Near to 18B and 18D. Whenpetals begin to unfurl -- Inside: Near to 16C and 16D with Near to 45Band 55B shading. When half-blown -- Inside: At base Near to 16B Near to45B and 55B petal edges. Reverse Side of Petals: Base Near to 16B, Restof petals Near to 45B.

Sepals: As long as the bud (21/4 cm) -- Serrated on tips with severalappendages.

Peduncle.--3 cm in length, erect, green, Near to 152A.

Bloom:

Size.--5 cm in diameter, when fully expanded.

Borne.--Borne singly and in clusters of up to 5 blooms.

Form.--High centered blooms reflex gently and hold the high center.

Petalage.--25 to 28.

Color.--During first two days: Inner petals at center of flower: Near to16B and 16D shading from near to 46A and 68B. Outer petals: Near to 16Dat Base shading from near to 46A and 45A on petals. Base of petals(Point of Attachment): Near to 19A. Reverse of petals: Near to 19A andnear to 46A and 68B. General Tonality from a distance: Red and yellow,near to 16D shading near to 46A and 68B with the sun.

Color change.--As bloom ages: The amount of red near to 46B decreases onpetals. General tonality: Red and yellow blend -- near to 16D and 16Band Near to 46A and 68B. After three or more days: Near to 4D, 46A and68B.

Petals:

Texture.--Thick with good substance.

Appearance.--Velvety.

Form.--Oval, curling gently as bloom opens.

Arrangement.--Regular.

Petaloids in center.--Few.

Persistence.--Petals drop off cleanly.

Fragrance.--Strong, fruity.

Lasting quality.--Flower lasts 3 to 5 days on the bush and 2 to 3 daysas a cut flower.

Reproductive Organs

Stamens, filaments and anthers:

Arrangement.--Regularly arranged around styles.

Color.--Yellow Near to 16A.

Pollen: Golden yellow.

Styles: Bunches, uneven length.

Stigmas:

Color.--Near to 16B.

Hips;

Shape.--Globular.

Size.--11/2 cm.

Color.--Medium green with shades of light orange when hips are mature.

Seeds.--Do not protrude.

Plant

Form: Upright, Compact.

Growth: Vigorous, uniform branching.

Height attaiend: 26 to 28 inches when mature.

Foliage: Compound 5 to 7 leaflets.

Size.--Medium for a miniature, each leaf 3 to 4 cm in length.

Quantity.--Abundant.

Color.--New foliage: Upper side: Dark green near to 136A. Under side:Light green near to 136B. Old foliage: Upper side: Dark green near to139A. Under side: Lighter green near to 139B.

Shape.--Oval, Pointed.

Texture.--Upper side: Thick, slick. Under side: Smooth.

Edge: Serrated.

Serration: Regular.

Leaf stem:

Color.--Reddish green.

Underside.--Reddish.

Stipules: Medium length, Slightly bearded.

Disease resistance: Blackspot; good. mildew; good. rust; good.

Wood:

New wood.--Red brown, Near to 176A. Bark: Smooth.

Old wood.--Near to 146B. Bark: Slightly rough.

Thorns:

Quantity.--Ordinary.

Form.--Flat base.

Length.--Medium 1 cm.

Color when young.--Near to 178A.

Position.--Irregular.

Prickles:

Quantity.--None.

Winter hardiness: Winter hardy with little die back.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the MiniatureRose Class, substantially as herein shown and described, characterizedparticularly by an abundance of exhibition quality red and yellowblooms; unusually strong fragrance; firm thick petals, borne singly andin sprays, on a medium tall plant with semi-glossy dark green foliage;said plant being easy to propagate from cuttings; and said blooms beinglong lasting both on the plant and as cut flowers.